About
The Festival of Sails is Geelong’s ultimate summer celebration, held every January long weekend on the stunning waterfront. As the largest sailing regatta in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s not just about racing—it’s where world-class sailing meets a three-day festival packed with live music, gourmet food, and unforgettable entertainment. From family-friendly activities under the sun to epic performances and fireworks lighting up the night sky, the event offers something for everyone.
Set against the backdrop of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club and Eastern Beach, the festival transforms the waterfront into a lively playground that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. Whether you’re here to cheer on the yachts or join the party with the crowd, the Festival of Sails brings together the thrill of competition and the joy of celebration, creating an experience that truly captures the spirit of Geelong.
Regatta History
The Festival of Sails is a living piece of history—a celebration of tradition, competition, and the camaraderie that has brought sailors and spectators to Geelong since 1844. What began as a humble regatta has evolved into the Southern Hemisphere’s largest annual sailing festival, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each January.
At the heart of the Festival of Sails is the iconic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race—the oldest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere—that kicks off the celebration each year. Supported by the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong, this event blends heritage with modern excitement, creating an experience where history meets the energy of the present.
Royal Geelong Yacht Club
The Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) stands proudly as the beating heart of sailing in Geelong. With its stunning location on the Geelong Waterfront, RGYC is a hub for world-class sailing and a welcoming community for both sailors and visitors alike. From our soon-to-be-opened Sailing Centre, set to debut at the 2025 Festival of Sails, to our commitment to fostering a love of the sport, we offer exceptional facilities and a true passion for the water.
For over 160 years, RGYC has been more than just a yacht club—it’s a community. Generations have shared a love of the sport, celebrated victories, and come together to build a place where everyone can experience the thrill of sailing and the joy of being part of a supportive, inclusive environment. With a focus on wellbeing and community engagement, RGYC continues to lead the way in making sailing accessible to all.
Sponsors & Partners
The Festival of Sails isn’t just the largest sailing regatta in the Southern Hemisphere—it’s a dynamic celebration that lights up the Geelong Waterfront every January, drawing tens of thousands of visitors, sailors, and spectators. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors and partners, whose dedication helps bring this world-class event to life year after year.
Our loyal partners play a vital role in creating the magic of the Festival of Sails, from the iconic Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race to the vibrant entertainment and experiences onshore. We are proud to collaborate with businesses and organisations that share our passion for sailing, community, and delivering unforgettable moments.
Visit Victoria
Visit Victoria is the primary tourism and events company for the State of Victoria in Australia.
City of Greater Geelong
The City of Greater Geelong supports a broad range of events across our region, from major events to community festivals.
Geelong is Victoria’s largest regional city and our municipality is home to more than 252,000 people.
The City supports events as they deliver measurable economic benefits to our region, market Geelong outside the municipality, and enhance community life and participation for residents and visitors.
News
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Festival of Sails 2025 Will Rock You!
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2025 Festival of Sails! We’re excited to share an exclusive preview of two incredible acts headlining this…
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2025 Festival of Sails On Track For Record-Breaking Regatta
The 2025 Festival of Sails at Royal Geelong Yacht Club is set for a record-breaking turnout, with more than double the regatta entries compared to this time last year.
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Emerging Artist Stage at the Festival of Sails 2025
The Emerging Artist Stage is back for the 2025 Festival of Sails, bigger and better than ever! With K rock 95.5 FMjoining Forte Magazine in co-presenting this exciting competition, local…
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Sailor Girl Back on Board for Festival of Sails 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Australian sailing personality Nic Douglass, better known as the “Sailor Girl,” is returning for the Festival of Sails 2025!…
MAJOR PARTNERS
